It can be a difficult choice when looking at who to use to design and develop your new website. Do you go to a freelance developer, do you pick a local company or pick one from Google. Some people can get blinded by the promises that some unscrupulous marketeers can make “I’ll get you to the top of Google”, “We’ll double your sales” etc etc. Many agencies and freelancers can and do successfully undertake this but for every success story, there is often a story of frustration and pain. This is often caused by a promise of big results for very little money.
By spending very little on your website, it is likely you may encounter one or more of the following common frustrations:
- Very little control over the content on your website. Remember it is YOUR website and at the very least you should have some sort of content management system to update the pages
- Your website is built on template which has been used on many other websites before. Your website should look unique and whilst we are not trying to re-invent the wheel, we can at least make you stand out in a crowded marketplace
- Badly constructed or inaccessible code. This is often not seen by the client and whilst the client gets a website for their money, poor code can add extra time to further developments, undermine the website stability and ultimately affect the visibility of the website to search engines.
- Minimal testing has been undertaken and whilst the client must take some responsibility when signing off the website, any agency worth their salt will guide the client through the key visitor journeys so they can be confident the website is fully tested. Don’t let customer complaints be your first key that something is wrong.
I meet many people through the networking circuit who ask me to have a look at their website and I am happy to provide a FREE consultation service to highlight any issues the site may have as well as provide a strategic approach to marketing the website.
The main barrier to rectifying these sites is often budget – “I’ve spent £1000 on this website and it should just work” is regularly said to me. I cannot fault the logic – however a little bit of knowledge can be a valuable thing so here are 5 tips which can aid your decision in which web design company to work with.
Meet with them
get a feel for the characters who will be looking after your business on the web. It is essential that they understand your business and your goals. If you feel that this is not the case then walk away.
Check out their experience
don’t just look at their website, look at their clients websites, click around them, can you do all the things you would expect to do?
Get a watertight specification
any website should have a functional specification document which will explain how your website will work and the functionality which will be available to the visitor and the administrator. Would you cook something without first reading the recipe?
Compare and contrast
don’t be afraid to speak with more than one company and shop around for what prices and ideas are available to you. Be realistic with your budget and see what you can afford.
It should be explained in plain English
if you are baffled by the jargon used, don’t be afraid to ask. If it still doesn’t make sense ask again. If it cannot be explained to you in terms you understand, why is it being suggested to you.
If you would like to find out more information about how Vertebrate Graphics can help with your website, please contact Owen Evans on 0114 267 9277
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